News

Royal visit to chambers

Wednesday 11 March, 2015

The 2015 Queen of Country Music Katrina Higgins and Princess Madeleine Patterson were among the public gallery at last night's Tamworth Regional Council Ordinary Meeting.

Ms Higgins addressed the meeting held in the Chambers at Ray Walsh House, Tamworth and shared how proud she was to have the chance to be an ambassador for the Tamworth region during the next 12 months.

She said:

“Tonight I am honoured to be standing in front of you as the 2015 Queen of Country Music. .

I work at Tamworth Shoppingworld Centre Management office as the receptionist. It is through Donna Carey and Derek Flynn's sponsorship and faith in me that I entered the quest. I am so thankful that they gave me this opportunity.

During the quest, I participated in the delivering of the Northern Daily Leader newspapers to each camp site at Jewry Street grounds at 7 am some mornings - other entrants managed every single morning but unfortunately that wasn't me - I walked up and down Peel Street giving out RB Sellars caps, I line danced at Tamworth Shoppingworld under the directions of the very talented Chris Watson, I ushered at the Roll of Renown concert, sold raffle tickets at the National Rodeo and much, much more.

The 10 days were an eye opener for me, as I have always been a Country Music fan and have grown up enjoying Tamworth's festival. I was finally able to see how much hard work, planning and organising goes in to the event by the committee, councillors, Council workers, sponsors and the dedicated volunteers.

I am excited to be heading to Gore in May to attend their Country Music festival, to be an ambassador for Tamworth, to highlight to all how spectacular our festival is and what we have to offer. I am interested in seeing how their festival is run, what they do differently to ours, share what I have experienced and encourage others to travel to our sister city.

I am participating in the Young Businessperson mentoring program thanks to Tamworth Business Chamber and also attending the Junior Chamber meetings. These opportunities are all available due to the sponsorship of the quest and that's something I am very grateful for.